Balloons will be flying high over Bel Air

Leisure Time

August 30, 2011

Hot air balloons will float above Bel Air at the second annual Rising Above It Balloon Festival, Fri., Sept. 2, 7-11 p.m., at the Maryland Golf and Country Clubs (1335 East MacPhail Road) and Sat., Sept. 3, noon-7 p.m., at the Harford County Equestrian Center (608 North Tollgate Road). The event is a fundraiser for the Sexual Assault Resource Center. Go to http://www.sarc-maryland.org or call 410-836-8431.

Grand Prix in Baltimore

The first ever Baltimore Grand Prix will happen Fri.-Sun., Sept. 2-4., on a temporary street circuit that will be set up around the Inner Harbor area. The event will offer motorsports competitions that include racing series as well as a variety of entertainment and special events. General admission starts at $55. Go to http://www.baltimoregrandprix.com.

Stamps for show

The BALPEX stamp show happens this year Fri.-Sun., Sept. 2-4, at Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn. The show is sponsored by the Baltimore Philatelic Society and will feature a variety of stamps brought in by several organizations. Also on the bill will be educational exhibits and new stamps for sale. Hours are Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is $5 for three days. Call 410-332-4741 or go to http://www.balpex.org.

Wedding show

Some of the area's top vendors for weddings will gather at the Cloisters Open House Plus Wed., Sept. 7, 4-8 p.m., at 10440 Falls Road, in Lutherville. The event will showcase caterers, photographers, florists, wedding dress shops, disc jockeys, stationers and other businesses servicing the wedding industry. Go to http://www.cloisterscastle.com.

The good life

Boordy Vineyards in Hydes continues its Good Life Thursdays happy hours Thu., Sept. 1, 4-8 p.m., with a performance by the Tumblehome. Visitors can enjoy wine on the patio, grilled burgers and gourmet chocolates and cheeses and organic treats. The Stringtown Folk Band closes the series Sept. 8. Free. Call 410-592-5015.

Out in the Somerset County town of Crisfield, the 64th National Hard Crab Derby will take place Fri.-Sun., Sept. 2-4, in the Somers Cove Arena. This quirky event showcases all sorts of events ranging from crab racing to crab picking contests to a beauty pageant. Times are Fri., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sun., 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission is $3. Call 410-968-2500.

Goodbye, farmers

Out in Westminster, the Carroll County Farmers Market will end its summer season with an End of the Season Harvest Day Sat., Sept.3, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., in the Agriculture Center (at 700 Smith Ave). On sale will be baked goods, plants, and arts and crafts. Breakfast and lunch will also be served. Free. Call 410-848-7748.

York antiques

Up in York, Pa., the 157th Original Semi-Annual York Antiques Show & Sale will take place this year Fri.-Sun., Sept. 2-4, in the York Fairgrounds Convention & Expo's Memorial Hall East. The event will feature exhibitors selling everything from porcelain to old toys. The show runs Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $10. Call 717-718-1097.